It’s no real secret that I’m an uncompromising and inveterate Indycar Racing enthusiast and certainly unapologetic about it. That being said, perhaps l’m a bit biased when it comes to me describing the joy l’ve derived from it for some fifty years now.
In my humble opinion (wink) the sport continues to evolve in terms of competition, which translates into spirited racing with all the different disciplines the series features. While the interest here locally focuses on the upcoming 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, the NTT Indycar Series season opener will be staged this Sunday when the running of the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg unfolds on the 1.8 mile, 14 turn street course that encompasses a section of the Albert Whitted Airport and is adjacent to both the Marina and the esteemed Dali Museum.
After an off-season that saw both technological advances and scheduling changes, the warm weather and sunshine of Florida is both inviting and important to both the team owners and drivers who appreciate the quaintness and beauty of the surrounding area which has now served the Series for 20 years.
The aforementioned settings combined with some rather highly competitive racing has transformed this annual stop on the schedule into an event, and with continued community support, it has grown to a favorite destination for fans.
Notes: Seven-time NTT Indycar Series Champion Scott Dixon has started 19 of the 20 Grand Prix races in St. Petersburg, and while finishing second four times, he’s yet to win the coveted event. Look for him to be a factor this weekend for Ganassi Racing.
Defending Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg Champion and 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson changed teams this off-season leaving Ganassi Racing to join drivers Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood in the ranks at Andretti Autosport.
No event of this magnitude happens without the support of the host city. Mayor Ken Welch has been influential in terms of staging a tremendous weekend in St Petersburg and beyond. He is the first African American Mayor in the history of the city after being elected in 2021.
You can watch the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg this Sunday locally on NBC/WTHR at Noon E.T. You can also listen in on the Indy Car Radio Network.
Danny Bridges, who is looking forward to the BBQ in the food vendor area of the track, can be reached at (317) 370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
